Having just finished my final English paper on the impact of the Internet in political journalism, I learned much about the transforming media. Because of the birth of political blogs and websites, a significantly less number of Americans today use traditional media sources, such as newspapers, magazines, and broadcasting.
Though the Internet would seem to benefit American general education in its convenience and availability, it consequently allows for inaccuracy, decreased focus on political policy, and dangerous partisan division. Unlike this lack of credibility, mainstream media emphasizes heavy editing and concealment of any bias which might inhibit the reader's ability to form opinions of his own.
Though it may be more time-consuming to sit down and sift through the articles of a newspaper, more people would probably have a clue about what is going on in the world today. Not only is it important to remain informed, but a lacking state of public knowledge impairs our society and government. People need to be fully informed of present events, influences, and occurrences, as they effect not only the nation in which we reside, but also our own lives.
We had to do something very similar in high school for my government class. She told us to read the paper everyday and every so often, she would give us a quiz on current events. It was nice to sit down in the morning, have some breakfast and read the news with my parents. Before then, I would rarely be up early enough for breakfast at all.
ReplyDeleteTo my chagrin, I do not read the news paper very often anymore, if at all. It has slipped as all the other responsibilities take priority. I do agree though that people need to be informed to make conscious decisions whether they be political or just in everyday life.
Over this summer plan to start reading the paper again.